Bombs and Bricks: What To Do If Your New Tech Is Going Crazy

Tech

September 18, 2016

In Collaboration with Kenny Bundy

It's that time of year when phone companies begin getting us all in a frinzy about their latest and greatest. Apple and Samsung are definitely on that list. Apple just released it's newest OS, iOS 10, along with the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Samsung has also just released their newest installment to the Galaxy Note line, the Note 7. Now, unless you're somewhere living under a rock, you know by now that Samsung and Apple both started off their launches with a couple of problems. Because of the demand, I've teamed up with my fellow tech counterpart, Kenny Bundy (also known as the Bearded Apple Tech Guy) to bring you what we think are the best moves to make if you have the "talking time-bomb" Note 7, or if you're phone has become a very pretty, expensive brick as a result of the iOS 10 update. Our goal is to give you a quick, one stop spot for info that many of you have been asking us. Let's get right to it.

(Samsung Note 7 - Taken using a Sony a6000 w/ 50mm lens)

Samsung Note 7:

If you're a Note 7 user, (or thinking of getting one), you've heard by now that there is a major recall of the phone. This is the result of a battery fault that causes the phone to overheat, catch fire, and even explode. Crazy, I know.

As a Samsung loyalist with over 20+ of Sammy's devices sitting in my home, I seriously contemplated exchanging my phone. But, I didn't. I choose to hang on until the replacement Note 7's hit the streets. Honestly, I love my phone. It is the best I've owned, and I literally use more features on it than I did on my Note 5. For those of you who are still a little nervous, here's some info that might help you out:

Don't Panic! - Yes, these phones do have a risk of catching on fire, but it's not as bad as it seems by the media. There's some things that you can do to hand in there until replacements come.

Replace It - Samsung has instructed all Note 7 users to discontinue use of their phones. Most carriers and retailers are offering replacement phones (S7 and S7 Edge), and will even allow you to swap back to a Note 7 once replacements are out (as long as you don't damage the replacement phone). You could also use an older phone if you have one in your possession. If you're fed up all together, carriers are offering full refunds regardless of the condition of the phone.

For The Brave (or Crazy) - Those of you who are like me and can't live without your Note can do a few things to lessen the chances of any problems:

‍I personally do not charge my phone with any other charger and cable but the one supplied, and one USB C cable that I have (and trust) plugged into my Dell XPS15 4k. I don't think it's a good idea to use anything else could be under or over powered, and cause the phone to overheat. Also, if anything were to happen, you wouldn't want Sammy saying that you used the wrong cord would you?

Check on it to make sure that it's at a decent temperature. So far, my phone has only gotten moderately warm.

Limit use while charging to help keep the temps low.

Samsung has released a notice saying that carriers will have the Note 7 replacements by the 21st of September, so that's great news as it's only a few days away. Sales will restart September 28th. So if you're like me and have a love affair with your Note 7 and still agree with most of the tech world that it may be the year's best phone overall, have no fear, the end is near!

(Image by Martin Hajek)

Apple iOs 10:

While Apple may not be dealing with such a massive issue such as Samsung's, some people are still experiencing problems updating their phones to the latest iOs release. Here's a simple solution that Kenny suggests for his fellow "Appleholics" (did you like that word? I think I just made that up):

Use Your Computer Instead of OTA - The Over The Air update method isn't the most reliable. As a result, many are facing an Apple icon that just won't go away (i.e., it won't actually boot up). Using your computer, however, gives you a solid connection, and because it downloads directly to the computer first, you don't have to worry about a choppy installation. Though your phone may seem unresponsive, iTunes will pick it up and still install the update.

Not Every iPhone Can Handle It - This is something that Kenny and I both know about any phone. Not all updates work well with older phones. Even if the update says that it's compatible, having a slower process and less memory such as in older phones can hurt you more than it can help. Sorry!

Contact Apple If It Doesn't Work - As always, Apple techs are standing by in Appleland to help you if the situation worsens.

Ultimately, you have to exercise you're own sound judgement. And of course, we in no way are responsible if you're phone catches fire or your iPhone bricks on you. All that we can do is provide you with our best response to what has been going on. That said, if you need more details, you can find it online at Samsung.com or Apple.com.

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I am an entrepreneur, graphic designer, photographer, YouTube tech/auto enthusiast, and small business consultant. Coincidentally, I am also a speaker and teacher. I believe that I was created to serve people with the gifts that I've been entrusted with.